Meet the Havalon Knives Management Team

Wha Havalon Knives: Patrick Carrothers t's the best part of coming to work every day for Patrick Carrothers? "Exciting and delighting people with innovation—that's a pretty neat job," he says.

As the president and CEO of Havel's, Inc., which is the parent company of Havalon Knives, Patrick's main responsibility is to keep the organization focused on thrilling customers, knowing that if he and his team accomplishes this goal, then financial performance will follow.

For most of his 15-year tenure at Havel's, Patrick has been in charge of product development. He created Havalon Knives in 2005, prior to his rise to president and CEO. Patrick says, "I enjoy building teams and watching the power of the team in action. I love the outdoors, hunting, and fishing,
so our success in making the best skinning and caping knives in the world is a
dream come true."

Today, Patrick makes his home in Cincinnati with his wife, Nancy. Between them, they have three children and one very cool cat named London.

Havalon's John Barrett John's strong work ethic began at the tender age of 14 when he started working for a construction company. He recalls, "I broke up concrete with a sledge hammer, carried concrete forms and bricks, and eventually drove a small dump truck even before I had a license." This early job taught John a valuable life skill: hard work pays off.

In 2001, John joined Havel’s Inc. as a sales executive. After a few years, he was promoted to sales manager, and, in 2009, he was named vice president of sales & marketing.

Today, John manages product offerings, develops new products, and determines the best use of the company's marketing efforts and dollars. He also manages the sales and marketing staff, develops the mailing plan, and designs advertising messages and strategies. John especially enjoys developing relationships with key opinion leaders in the industry to ensure that Havel's is on the cutting edge when it comes to new products and emerging technologies.

But what's his favorite part of the job? John says, "I love interacting with customers to find the next new product idea that will not only bring growth to our company, but also solve problems for our customers."

John makes his home in Cold Spring, Kentucky. He has two children and a golden retriever named Angel. When he's not working, John enjoys attending his kids' sporting events as well as watching college and pro baseball, football, and basketball games.

Havalon's Paul Schwartz Paul is no stranger to gritty, deep-in-the-trenches hard work. As one of 12 children, you could say he didn't have much choice. But this work ethic and commitment to family—be it blood relations or the "family" he's created with co-workers—is what sets Paul apart, not only as sales manager for Havalon Knives, but also as a person.

As the sales manager for the Havalon Division, Paul's primary responsibility is to manage the day-to-day sales through Havalon's retail, dealer, and web outlets. But Paul adds that making each customer feel appreciated and happy is also an essential part of his daily work, as is creating harmony with his co-workers. He says, "The most important aspect of my job is the attitude of the company as it relates to those who work for it. We are people first, employees second. Most of the time we feel and act like family. We laugh together, and even get into some pretty good disagreements, but in the end we do what is right."

Originally from Cincinnati, Paul makes his home with his beautiful wife, Maura, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, right on the border of Indiana and Ohio which makes him central to activities in both states. Paul and Maura love dogs, and currently have three rescue dogs: Pepper, Eli, and Marky. When Paul's not working or spending time with his family, he enjoys going to the local stables, and spending hours riding through the woods, enjoying the peace and quiet of the Indiana scenery and wildlife.

Havalon's Robyn Rex Reed Robyn is one of the newest members of the Havel's family, but she's quickly becoming a rising star.

Robyn breathes creative life into all areas of Havel's Inc. and its three divisions, which includes Havalon Knives. She was born with this creative gene, something that shows in her educational pursuits. After graduating from The School for Creative & Performing Arts in Cincinnati, she went on to the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and then Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, California.

In 2009, Robyn joined Havel's as a sales and marketing specialist. She assists the sales team in any way needed with a growing focus on Havalon Knives as well as Havel's scissors division.

In addition, she helps manage the development and execution of the company's in-bound/out-bound marketing programs for all three divisions, including overseeing the websites, blogs, and social networks. She's also the company's webmaster, a role that is growing rapidly. Her drive, determination, and loyalty make her a key asset and perfect team player.

While she loves managing the websites and social media, traveling for the company, and working with great people, Robyn notes that her number one priority is always the customer. She says, "We take great pride in making quality products at an affordable price, and providing superior customer service."

Born in Mansfield, Ohio, Robyn’s hometown has always been Cincinnati. She has two grown children, three dogs, and one cat.